Finding True Peace Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
In the days between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus spent forty days imparting crucial truths to His followers—men and women who were anxious, fearful, and struggling to believe. One of the first things He said to them was, “Peace be unto you.” This wasn’t just a greeting; it was a declaration that a tranquil soul is possible, even in a world filled with chaos, pain, and uncertainty. The peace Jesus offers isn’t dependent on circumstances, nor is it the absence of trouble. Rather, it’s a deep, abiding tranquility rooted in the work of salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Many of us live with a baseline of anxiety, believing that’s just the way life is. We try every method—diets, exercise, hobbies, even religious activity—to find peace, but these only offer temporary relief. The world tells us tranquility comes when we eliminate chaos, but Jesus teaches that true peace is possible in the midst of chaos. Revelation reminds us that sorrow, pain, and death are still realities on this side of eternity, but we are not meant to be victims of these things. Instead, we are invited to live with a “no matter what” kind of peace.
The prototype for this life is Jesus Himself, the Prince of Peace. His tranquility wasn’t tied to His environment but to His relationship with the Holy Spirit. From His conception to His baptism and throughout His ministry, the Spirit rested on Him and never departed. Unlike the Old Testament, where the Spirit would come and go, Jesus lived in constant communion with the Spirit. This is the new reality for us as believers: the Holy Spirit is not a fleeting visitor but a permanent companion.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Advocate, our Helper, and the source of peace that the world cannot give. This peace is not a state of being but the gift of a Person. The challenge is to train ourselves to go to the Holy Spirit first, to cultivate a relationship with Him that is as real and constant as any other in our lives. Whether we are raising children, facing loss, or simply navigating the stresses of daily life, the invitation is to receive the Spirit and discover that a tranquil soul is not only possible—it is the birthright of every child of God.
Key Takeaways
- Tranquility is not the absence of chaos, but the presence of Christ’s peace within. The world’s version of peace depends on circumstances aligning in our favor, but Jesus offers a peace that remains steady regardless of what is happening around us. This peace is rooted in the finished work of salvation and is available to us even in the midst of sorrow, pain, and uncertainty. [06:42]
- The Holy Spirit is not a temporary fix or a fleeting feeling; He is a permanent companion. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come and go, but in Christ, the Spirit rests and remains with us always. Our peace is sustained by this unbroken relationship, not by momentary experiences or emotional highs. [23:00]
- True tranquility is found in relationship, not in routine. Many Christians seek peace through religious activity, self-improvement, or external solutions, but Jesus points us to a relationship with the Holy Spirit as the only lasting source of peace. The Spirit is with us in every moment, inviting us to commune with Him and draw strength from His presence. [35:44]
- The peace Jesus gives is a gift, not an achievement. It cannot be earned by managing our circumstances or perfecting our behavior. Instead, it is received by faith, as we trust in the Person of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to anchor our souls in God’s love and faithfulness. [34:01]
- Training ourselves to turn to the Holy Spirit first is a spiritual discipline that transforms our lives. Our natural tendency is to seek solutions elsewhere or make excuses for our anxiety, but the invitation is to cultivate a daily, moment-by-moment relationship with the Spirit. This practice leads to a life marked by contentment, resilience, and a peace that surpasses understanding. [42:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Jesus’ First Words After Resurrection
[02:41] - Is a Tranquil Soul Possible?
[04:12] - The Christian Struggle with Anxiety
[06:42] - Redefining Tranquility in a Troubled World
[09:43] - Searching for Peace in All the Wrong Places
[13:13] - Sorrow, Pain, and the Reality of Faith
[15:34] - Looking for a Prototype of Peace
[18:03] - The Prince of Peace: Jesus as Our Example
[21:57] - The Holy Spirit’s Rest on Jesus
[23:51] - Old Testament vs. New Testament Experience
[27:27] - Jesus’ Temptation and the Spirit’s Power
[31:02] - Trusting God and Jesus in Troubled Times
[35:44] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit’s Presence
[39:01] - Learning to Commune with the Spirit
[41:01] - A Life Modeled by the Spirit
[43:47] - The Holy Spirit: Our Gift of Tranquility
[46:50] - Encouragement for Parents and the Next Generation
[48:02] - The Spirit’s Presence in Every Season
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Gift of a Tranquil Soul
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### Bible Reading
1. John 20:19-22
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
2. Revelation 21:3-4
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
3. Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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### Observation Questions
1. When Jesus first appeared to his disciples after the resurrection, what were their emotional and physical circumstances? (John 20:19)
[[01:34]]
2. According to the sermon, what does Jesus mean when he says, “Peace be with you”? Is it just a greeting, or something more?
[[01:34]]
3. In Revelation 21:3-4, what does God promise will be different in the future compared to our current experience on earth?
[[09:43]]
4. What is unique about the way the Holy Spirit relates to believers now, compared to how the Spirit operated in the Old Testament?
[[23:51]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that Jesus’ peace is not the absence of chaos, but the presence of Christ’s peace within. How does this challenge the way most people (including Christians) think about peace?
[[06:42]]
2. The pastor describes the Holy Spirit as a “permanent companion” rather than a “temporary fix.” What does this mean for how we approach our daily struggles and anxieties?
[[23:00]]
3. The sermon points out that many Christians seek peace through routines, self-improvement, or religious activity. Why do you think it’s so easy to look for peace in these places instead of in a relationship with the Holy Spirit?
[[35:44]]
4. Jesus says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” What does it look like, practically, to receive and relate to the Holy Spirit as a real person in your everyday life?
[[43:06]]
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### Application Questions
1. The world says peace comes when we eliminate chaos, but Jesus offers peace in the middle of chaos. Think about a current area of stress or anxiety in your life. What would it look like to invite Jesus’ peace into that situation, rather than waiting for the problem to go away?
[[06:42]]
2. The pastor shared how his mother would always remind him that the Holy Spirit goes everywhere with him. How aware are you, day-to-day, of the Holy Spirit’s presence with you? What could you do to grow in that awareness this week?
[[39:01]]
3. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, what is your first instinct—do you turn to a hobby, a routine, a person, or to the Holy Spirit? What would it take to train yourself to go to the Spirit first?
[[42:16]]
4. The sermon says that peace is a gift, not an achievement. Are there ways you’ve been trying to “earn” peace by managing your circumstances or perfecting your behavior? How can you shift from striving to receiving?
[[34:01]]
5. The pastor described his own struggles with anxiety, even as a believer and a pastor. How does it help to know that even spiritual leaders wrestle with these things? How can you support each other in your group to be honest about struggles and encourage each other to receive the Spirit’s peace?
[[14:07]]
6. Parents: The sermon specifically encouraged parents that it is possible to raise children without living in constant anxiety. What would it look like for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your parenting, or to teach your children to know His voice?
[[46:50]]
7. The pastor said, “A tranquil soul is not a state of being, it’s the gift of a person.” What is one practical step you can take this week to cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit as a real, present companion?
[[35:44]]
---
Close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help each person receive and walk in the peace that Jesus offers, no matter what circumstances they face.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Offers True Peace, Not Dependent on Circumstances
Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection and spoke peace over them, addressing their anxieties and fears. He offered a tranquility of soul that is not based on the absence of chaos or trouble, but on the work of salvation and His presence. This peace is not just a fleeting feeling when things go well, but a deep contentment that remains regardless of what happens around you. The world expects us to live with a certain level of anxiety, but Jesus calls us to a different kind of life—a life where our soul can be at rest, no matter what comes our way. [01:34]
John 20:19 (NLT)
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.
Reflection: Where in your life are you settling for managing chaos instead of receiving the peace Jesus offers? What would it look like to invite His peace into that area today?
Day 2: Tranquility Is Possible Even Amid Sorrow and Pain
Life on earth is still marked by death, sorrow, crying, and pain—even for believers. Yet, Jesus makes it possible to have a tranquil soul in the midst of these realities. The promise is not that all suffering will be removed now, but that we can live without being governed by these things. Tranquility is not about erasing hardship, but about learning to find peace that endures through it. Even when tears flow and sorrow comes, you are not defeated; you are invited to experience a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in God’s presence with you. [13:13]
Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Reflection: When you face sorrow or pain, do you tend to avoid it or try to fix it quickly? How might you invite God’s presence into your pain and let Him bring you peace right where you are?
Day 3: The Prototype of Peace—Jesus, the Prince of Peace
Jesus is the ultimate example of a tranquil soul, not because His life was free from trouble, but because His peace was rooted in His relationship with the Holy Spirit. He was called the Prince of Peace, and His tranquility was not tied to His environment but to who He was and who He trusted. The same Spirit that rested on Jesus is available to you, making it possible to live with peace regardless of what is happening around you. Your tranquility is not about controlling your circumstances, but about knowing and trusting the Person who is always with you. [18:48]
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to find peace by changing your environment or circumstances? How can you shift your focus to deepening your relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit—God’s Gift of Continual Presence
Unlike the Old Testament, where the Spirit would come and go, Jesus received the Holy Spirit who remained with Him always. This same gift is given to every believer: the Holy Spirit is with you continually, not just in moments of crisis or need. He is your advocate, teacher, and the source of true peace. The tranquility Jesus promises is not a state you achieve, but a gift you receive through relationship with the Holy Spirit. He is with you in every moment, ready to help, comfort, and guide you through every high and low. [34:01]
John 14:26-27 (NLT)
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Reflection: How aware are you of the Holy Spirit’s presence with you throughout your day? What is one practical way you can pause and acknowledge Him in your routine today?
Day 5: Train Yourself to Go to the Holy Spirit First
Peace is not something that comes naturally in a troubled world; it is something you must train yourself to seek by turning to the Holy Spirit first. Instead of making excuses or trying to fix everything on your own, you are invited to commune with the Spirit in every situation—whether you are facing parenting challenges, health scares, or daily anxieties. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant power, but a present Helper who walks with you, talks with you, and gives you the gift of tranquility. Make it your habit to go to Him first, trusting that He is with you always. [42:16]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: The next time you feel anxiety rising, will you pause and invite the Holy Spirit to help you before turning to your usual coping mechanisms? What would it look like to make this your new habit?
Quotes
He is the gift of tranquility to souls that stay in a troubled world. He is the gift that says you can be content even when life doesn't go your way. He is a gift that is given to you so that you can say whatever happens, I am at peace. I am not worried about anything. I have no fear. [00:44:06] (23 seconds)
A tranquil soul is not a state of being, it's the gift of a person. Jesus said, I've given you a gift, Alicia. Tranquility of soul is not that everything works for you, Iman. Not that everything works for you all the time, but that you have a gift of a person. [00:34:34] (19 seconds)
Can a human being have a tranquil soul no matter what happens? Our prototype said yes if you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to have a tranquil soul outside a relationship with the Holy Spirit. It's impossible. [00:29:24] (22 seconds)
That tells me that a tranquil soul is not connected to an environment, it's connected to a person. My tranquility has nothing to do with what hell is going on around Mark. [00:18:48] (15 seconds)
If you're a Christian, He's always with you. 24 -7 through every problem, through every anxiety, through every torment, through every valley, through every high and low, I am with you, Mark. I have deposited, Mark, within you a gift of peace. [00:35:41] (18 seconds)
If the world looks at us as Christians and says, well, I believe, and then I look at a Christian, I look at me and go, well, what's so different about you? You're just as ticked off, stressed out, burned out, mad. But yet you say you believe. [00:04:12] (15 seconds)
He gave you the same gift of tranquility that He had and said to those original followers who were falling apart, Receive the Holy Spirit. And when you receive Him, He will walk with you, talk with you, sleep with you. He will be with you continually. He'll help you birth babies, raise babies, raise children, parent teenagers. He'll help you be a better wife and a better husband. He will talk to you about your addictions. He will help you through your struggles. He will always be there for you. He will never leave you or forsake you. [00:43:13] (46 seconds)
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